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Briefs: Sideline Chatter Sept. 17, 2009

By {screen_name}
Thursday, September 17, 2009

There’s a moment of calm before the chaos.

Between the break of the huddle and the snap of the football, players are waiting for the quarterback to call out the cue that unleashes offensive linemen and allows linebackers to start seeking the ball carrier.

The Daily Sentinel asked Grand Valley coaches and players what goes through their minds between the break of the huddle and the snap of the football.

“I’m looking at the adjustments on the defense and whether the play will work, and also if the quarterback recognizes the defensive adjustment and audibles if he needs to.” — Bill Moore, Fruita Monument coach

“I’m thinking, ‘did they get right call?’ I signal in the defensive calls, so I’m always like ‘I hope they got that,’ but our kids do a good job of knowing what I’m calling and getting it called right. On offense, I just watch and hope we don’t turn the ball over.” — Vern McGee, Central coach

“I’m thinking, ‘Be aggressive.’ Because I’m a corner, I’m trying to focus on the quarterback as much as possible.” — Alec Rupe, Central senior defensive back

“I’m checking the defense to see where they’re lined up and trying to find the holes, make sure my guys are lined up and going through what I do on the play and make sure I do it right.” — Jordan Salazar, Palisade senior quarterback

“If it’s a pass play, I want to see what type of coverage they’re in, trying to see what the defense will line up in. I’m yelling for them to hurry to the line of scrimmage and making sure we are getting to the ball.” — Robbie Owens, Grand Junction coach

“I’m trying to figure out what the offense is trying to do, and I want to get to the ball carrier as fast as I can and making sure they don’t get big yardage.” — Jerreon Dennis, Junction sophomore defensive back